Can Chest CT be the first-line diagnostic test in COVID-19? A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT
 Background/aim: Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, chest computerized tomography (CCT) was shown to be more sensitive than real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) detecting disease, especially regions with high disease prevalence. In this study, we aimed determine sensitivity and specificity of CT diagnosis COVID-19.
 Materials methods: Between 17 March, 2020 25 April, 2020, 2170 patients who were admitted hospital for any reason underwent scanning retrospectively analyzed. Patients a pre-diagnosis positive rRT-PCR test, two consecutive negative tests, or first test follow-up included. The day these counted as “0,” 200 whose CCT performed within +/- three days included study.
 Results: Of 118 rRT-PCR-positive, 82 rRT-PCR-negative. results, 62/118 (52.5%) had scans. With results reference, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy indicating infection 52.5% (95% CI 43–61%), 67% 56–77%), 58.5% 51-65%), respectively. predictive value diagnosing greater women men (p = 0.01).
 Conclusions: where prevalence is not high, use an alternative due its low sensitivity.